Allergy New Zealand
[November 2003] As hay-fever season rolls around again the itching and sneezing begins. But there's much more to allergies than hay fever as this informative website shows.
Allergy New Zealand's vision is 'to improve quality of life for people with allergies and their families through support, education and information, and to act as an advocate in all aspects of allergy. The site supports this well.
There are dozens of allergies listed on this site, with detailed, easy-to-read information and practical advice on drugs, other remedies and preventive measures.
Events, news, media reports and information are all present, as well as extensive information about the organisation. The 'Kids' section is for parents and includes recipes, pen pals and information on throwing allergy-friendly parties.
There are some minor inconsistencies in navigation. The section tabs sometimes disappear between sections. A section on the apple moth spraying turned up rather unexpectedly in 'Special Features' instead of under 'News and Issues'. It is also under 'Headlines'. Having three news areas is a little confusing.
'Product Alerts' is clearly an active and often updated area. The Ingredient Updates refers us to The Manufactured Food Database. You can subscribe to alerts and updates by email simply by adding your email address in a form.
The Product catalogue promises that online ordering is coming soon, and in the meantime you can download a PDF to see a pricelist of primarily books and videos.
An Expert Q&A page and an FAQ round out the site. The FAQ is "under construction" and there's no information there yet. Fortunately the site has plenty of other information.
Summary: this informative site is very comprehensive and helpful. The organisation of so much information is a tricky job, and it could be improved in places. Overall the site is good, useful and well worth a visit before the pollen count climbs!
[www.allergy.org.nz]